Crowd Control Cop Commended

Soccer-fan crowds are notoriously unruly, even in rule-bound Japan. So a clever cop who kept the peace at a crowded Tokyo street corner after Japan won a 2014 World Cup berth became a national hero.

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Supporters celebrate as Japan football national team qualified for the FIFA World Cup Brazil while police officers control the traffic at Shibuya Crossing.

Videos showing the anonymous policeman’s softer approach to crowd control have been broadcast repeatedly on national TV, and have become a hit online. His ability to “read” the crowds and spontaneously come up with effective comments has earned him the nickname “DJ Policeman,” a reference to radio talk-show hosts.

This week, the officer in his 20s was awarded the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Chief Commissioner Award for his good work after the June 4th match, when a 1-1 tie with Australia allowed Japan to become the first country to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

Standing atop a police van in Shibuya crossing with his loudspeaker in hand, the policeman called out: “Everyone here is the 12th member of Team Japan,” to win over support for order in getting to the train station.

Rather than scolding, he sought sympathy: “The stern-faced policemen in front of you are actually feeling pretty happy about the World Cup win. They feel the same way as you do. The police are your teammates too, please listen to what they’re saying.” The officer from the 9th Riot Police squad continued: “Please be aware of your manners and follow the rules, just like the fair-play spirited Team Japan…. If any of you injure yourselves, the World Cup ticket will taste less sweet.”

The award given the DJ Policeman is the metropolitan police’s highest internal award available, and is given out for accomplishments like cracking tough cases. In this instance, the commendation citation praised “skillful word choice and public relations content that captured the hearts of supporters who could have been rebellious or aggressive towards the police.”

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